Second in a series

In last week’s column a wife wrote admitting her marital unfaithfulness and asking how she could demonstrate to her husband her willingness to rebuild their marriage.

We certainly believe that with diligent work, sensitivity and trust in the Lord, a broken marriage can be healed. It will take two willing partners who are dedicated to rebuilding the relationship on the solid ground of God’s word, honesty, unselfishness and commitment. The weakened, damaged structure of the marriage will need to be excavated with confession, exposure and ruthless self-examination to identify those unstable, selfish, uncommitted areas.

To address the woman who asked for ways to convince her husband that she seriously desires to build a healthy, thriving marriage following her adulterous choices, you need a clear vision of your own repentance. Repentance is a biblical word meaning change your course. Turn around and go the other way. The word implies an intentional choice. You will need to truly decide that you are going to turn from your unfaithful path to follow a godly direction. Decisions require vision, persistence, strength and resolve — not merely as a means to save your marriage, but as a quality decision to be a godly person.